Manuscript Illustrations Of Uttaradhyayana Sutra

Author(s): W Norman Brown
Publisher: American Oriental Society

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24. THE SAMITIS; OR, THE ARTICLES (MOTHERS) OF THE DOCTRINE
This chapter is devoted to an exposition of the eight articles, punningly mothers (may -Skt mätra and mata), of the creed, namely the five samitis and the three guptis. The five samitis are the regulations for monks concerning walking, speaking, receiving alms, getting and receiving paraphernalia, and the manner of disposing of refuse (excreta, garbage, etc.). The three guptis are the ward that must be kept over mind, speech, and body.
HV (fig. 94) and JM (fig. 96; painting misplaced in manuscript as heading to Chapter 25) illustrate with almost identical paintings. In an upper register are two monks seated in discussion, much as in the case of the paintings to Chapter 23. Below are three monks observing the three guptis: the monk at the left is keeping watch over his mind; the monk in the center has his right hand raised with manuscript or mouth cloth, and is exercising proper watch while speaking, the third monk is brushing the ground with his broom to remove small creatures from his path, and is thus exercising watch over his body.
JP (fig. 95) has a monk seated and preaching to another, made much smaller than the first, who stands with hands reverently folded, and his body strangely contorted.
DV (fig. 97) has a painting at the head of this chapter, which clearly belongs to the next chapter and is described there in my discussion. It seems likely that the painting which the manuscript has at the head of Chapter 25 really belongs here. In it a monk is seated preaching, and before are two others, one in a squatting posture with his hands. joined before him, the other on a seat, with left hand raised breast high and right hand above the level of his head. The scene is probably Mahavira preaching the chapter.
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